TOKYO — As a rule, Shohei Ohtani finds a method to meet the second — so it got here as no shock he gave a packed Tokyo Dome crowd precisely what they got here to see on Saturday night time.
Ohtani crushed a two-run homer to deep proper discipline within the third inning of the Dodgers’ exhibition recreation in opposition to the Yomiuri Giants. It was the second of three homers the Dodgers hit that inning: Michael Conforto led off the inning with a solo shot, then Teoscar Hernández launched a two-run blast to cap a five-spot for L.A.
Being in Japan for the season-opening Tokyo Collection in opposition to the Cubs — which takes place subsequent Tuesday and Wednesday — has opened the Dodgers’ eyes to only how large a deal he’s in his native nation. There was widespread pleasure to see him symbolize a Main League workforce whereas in his residence nation.
“We’re all ready in nice anticipation,” supervisor Dave Roberts stated earlier than the sport. “Shohei, to be fairly trustworthy, within the final seven years has represented nearly singlehandedly the individuals of Japan. So for him to return again right here in particular person, it may be an emotional night time for lots of people, I am positive.”
All eyes have been on Ohtani, together with fellow Japanese stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, because the Dodgers arrived in Tokyo. Notably, Ohtani is nearly all over the place you look, showing in commercials all throughout town.
When Ohtani stepped as much as the plate for the primary time on Saturday, the group watched, enraptured, as he drew a stroll. The ovation when he went deep his subsequent time within the batter’s field rivaled the reception the beloved Yomiuri Giants obtained, enjoying in their very own ballpark.
